London welcomes in Chinese New Year
A parade's been held around Chinatown; further festivities are planned around the capital
Last updated 11th Feb 2024
A parade to celebrate the Chinese New Year has made its way through London's Chinatown.
The main parade started on Charing Cross Road - and finished on Shaftesbury Avenue . This afternoon there will be a lions’ eye-dotting ceremony in Chinatown and stage performances in Trafalgar Square.
As part of the festivities there are stalls on Gerrard Place and Newport Court; you'll also lion dancing, stalls and plenty of places to stop off for a Chinese New Year feast.
This year is the Year of the Dragon, following the Year of the Rabbit, which had run from January 22nd 2023 to February 9th. 2024.
Beverley Lin, from Greenwich, south London, is centre director of the London Chinese Community Centre (LCCC) which is known as the oldest Chinese community centre in London and was established 45 years ago in 1979.
Ms Lin told PA said: "With the celebration of the new year, it brings back your sense of identity.
"You're coming back to your roots or even childhood memories."
This year marks the Year of the Dragon, which Ms Lin described as "significant".
"The dragon has always played a significant part in Chinese culture. It comes only once every 12 years, so it's important," she said.
The celebrations continue throughout the month including a family day at Brent Cross shopping centre, north London, on February 17 and a New Year lunch party at the LCCC on February 22.
Her focus for the community centre is to promote better health and wellbeing services for the local community.
The celebrations continue throughout the month including a family day at Brent Cross shopping centre, north London, on February 17 and a New Year lunch party at the LCCC on February 22.